When your skin gets stretched beyond its capacity, scars are formed. These are known as stretch marks. When they first appear, stretch marks are red or purple streaks on your skin. In time they fade to a white or off white color.
Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Many people will get stretch marks at one time or another. Just think of all the people who have been either pregnant or overweight! It's not just women who get stretch marks, either. Few people realize that they are a common complaint of male body builders as well.
The good news is that there are several treatments for stretch marks that have been shown to be highly effective. Here's a look at three of the most common ways to deal with this condition.
1. Dermabrasion. General anesthesia is required when you undergo this kind of stretch mark surgery. Dermabrasion is useful for reducing the visibility of abnormalities on your skin such as sun damage, dark spots and scars. The surface of the skin is literally sanded off during this procedure.
This procedure is most effective is the scar is raised above the skin's surface. It's generally much less effective when used to treat sunken scars. This surgery involves a fair bit of pain and it can take months to heal completely. However, the results can be truly amazing.
2. Microdermabrasion. Often referred to as microderm, this is a far less invasive procedure. It's a popular, easily accessible treatment that doesn't require an anesthetic. It involves removing the surface layer of the skin by using a special wand with a roughened surface to lightly sand the skin. Microdermabrasion enjoys a reputation as a painless treatment that is perfectly safe.
3. Skin treatment creams. There are hundreds of products marketed these days that claim to prevent or eliminate stretch marks. Some people swear by remedies such as Vitamin A cream, cocoa butter or various specially formulated creams.
Some of these products have a lot of research behind them and can be quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Some of the more effective treatments for stretch marks are Trilastin, Revitol and NuVectin. You should be aware that most of these products are best for preventing rather than eliminating stretch marks.
However, many products tend to overstate their ability to get rid of stretch marks. It's important that you read some independent customer reviews on any stretch mark product before you buy it. Do a web search for the product you're considering, and examine sites that aren't associated with the manufacturer. Be sure to investigate the manufacturer's website and research the source of their product claims if you can. - 17943
Obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for the development of stretch marks. Many people will get stretch marks at one time or another. Just think of all the people who have been either pregnant or overweight! It's not just women who get stretch marks, either. Few people realize that they are a common complaint of male body builders as well.
The good news is that there are several treatments for stretch marks that have been shown to be highly effective. Here's a look at three of the most common ways to deal with this condition.
1. Dermabrasion. General anesthesia is required when you undergo this kind of stretch mark surgery. Dermabrasion is useful for reducing the visibility of abnormalities on your skin such as sun damage, dark spots and scars. The surface of the skin is literally sanded off during this procedure.
This procedure is most effective is the scar is raised above the skin's surface. It's generally much less effective when used to treat sunken scars. This surgery involves a fair bit of pain and it can take months to heal completely. However, the results can be truly amazing.
2. Microdermabrasion. Often referred to as microderm, this is a far less invasive procedure. It's a popular, easily accessible treatment that doesn't require an anesthetic. It involves removing the surface layer of the skin by using a special wand with a roughened surface to lightly sand the skin. Microdermabrasion enjoys a reputation as a painless treatment that is perfectly safe.
3. Skin treatment creams. There are hundreds of products marketed these days that claim to prevent or eliminate stretch marks. Some people swear by remedies such as Vitamin A cream, cocoa butter or various specially formulated creams.
Some of these products have a lot of research behind them and can be quite effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Some of the more effective treatments for stretch marks are Trilastin, Revitol and NuVectin. You should be aware that most of these products are best for preventing rather than eliminating stretch marks.
However, many products tend to overstate their ability to get rid of stretch marks. It's important that you read some independent customer reviews on any stretch mark product before you buy it. Do a web search for the product you're considering, and examine sites that aren't associated with the manufacturer. Be sure to investigate the manufacturer's website and research the source of their product claims if you can. - 17943
About the Author:
Stretch marks can impact anyone, male or female, through weight gain, pregnancy and bodybuilding. Learn more about the options for treating this condition at Get Rid of Stretch Marks: Tips to Prevent and Treat Stretch Marks.
